Now open at the Connecticut Science Center, The Science Behind Pixar invites visitors to explore the science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and characters in a captivating, hands-on experience. This immersive 12,000 square foot exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the innovative science, math, and technology concepts used by artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen.

“The Science Behind Pixar is an interactive exhibit that offers people a hands-on opportunity to understand how we make our films,” said Jim Morris, President of Pixar Animated Studios. “At Pixar, we use science, technology, engineering, art and math – along with a significant dash of creativity and fun – and this exhibit is truly a great demonstration of how all those ingredients come together in our filmmaking process.”

Created by the Museum of Science Boston and Pixar Animated Studios, and featuring more than 50 interactive elements, The Science Behind Pixar embodies the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) thinking skills needed to create compelling films. Organized into eight key areas — Modeling, Rigging, Surfaces, Sets & Cameras, Animation, Simulation, Lighting, and Rendering — the exhibition highlights the intricate steps involved in Pixar’s animation pipeline. Visitors of all ages will engage in and learn about the filmmaking process through hands-on activities inspired by some of Pixar’s most treasured films, from the first-ever computer animated feature film, Toy Story, which opened over two decades ago, to Pixar’s summer 2018 release, Incredibles 2.

The Science Behind Pixar exhibition at the Connecticut Science Center is sponsored by Liberty Bank, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and ProHealth Physicians, a part of Optum. Each of these valued sponsors recognizes the power of education and innovation, and shares their perspectives on why supporting this experience is important to them.

“Every year we work closely with the Connecticut Science Center to sponsor an exhibit like the Science Behind Pixar that attracts visitors of all ages to this popular regional destination in our Capital City,” said David W. Glidden, President & CEO of Liberty Bank and Vice Chair of the Connecticut Science Center’s Board of Trustees. “As we mark our 200th birthday in 2025, Team Liberty made it a priority to celebrate it with our customers and communities. Our sponsorship of The Science Behind Pixar is just one of many ‘community kind’ of ways we’re commemorating this historic year at Liberty Bank.”

“We are pleased for this opportunity to invest in STEM education through The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition because it aligns perfectly with our own educational values and commitments,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “Pixar blends cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and math within their unique storytelling magic, which is sure to inspire students of all ages to shape the future, dream big and solve real-world challenges.”

"As a primary care medical group, we see firsthand how education impacts long-term wellness,” said Dr. Joy Hong, Associate Chief Medical Officer from ProHealth Physicians. “The Science Behind Pixar is a wonderful example of how learning can be engaging and inspiring. We are honored to support an exhibition that encourages visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world of STEM. This is one of our many commitments to enhance care beyond the exam room.”

The Science Behind Pixar offers a variety of hands-on activities that empower visitors to imagine the STEM concepts behind Pixar’s films in a fun, engaging format. To better understand the science and math that goes into creating the worlds and characters of Pixar’s films, visitors will hear first-hand from members of the studios’ production teams, and be invited to experience different roles within the production pipeline, through screen-based activities and physical interactive elements.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to take their photo with human-size recreations of many of their favorite Pixar film characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sully, Edna Mode, and WALL•E.

"Throughout this exhibition, visitors will explore the computational thinking skills that power Pixar’s creative process," said Liam Cawley, Exhibits Manager at the Connecticut Science Center. “This exhibition highlights the intersection of technology and storytelling, allowing guests to step into the roles of Pixar filmmakers and discover the STEM principles behind computer animation.”

The Science Behind Pixar is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, plus expanded vacation hours listed on the Science Center’s website, 10AM-4PM for a limited engagement, March – August, 2025. Admission to the exhibition is included with General Admission or a Science Center Membership. Tickets are available for purchase at CTScienceCenter.org.

About the Connecticut Science Center: Located in downtown Hartford, the LEED Gold-certified Connecticut Science Center ignites creativity and fosters a love for science through engaging, hands-on interactive experiences—all while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability. With more than 165 hands-on exhibits, the Science Center explores a wide range of topics, including space and earth sciences, biology, the Connecticut River watershed, alternative energy, physical sciences, Connecticut’s inventors and innovations, and more.

Highlights include the state’s year-round butterfly habitat, a dedicated children’s gallery, five educational labs, a 200-seat 3D digital theater, a function room, and a gift store. The Science Center hosts events for all ages throughout the year.

As a nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Science Center is committed to enhancing science education across Connecticut and New England, providing enriching learning opportunities for students and adults alike.

For more information, visit CTScienceCenter.org or call (860) SCIENCE.

Support for The Science Behind Pixar: The Science Behind Pixar is funded through support by Google, members of the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative (SMEC), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

About Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL•E,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3,” “Brave,” “Inside Out,” and “Coco.” Its movies have won 35 Academy Awards® and have grossed more than $14 billion at the worldwide box office.